The number of U.S. adults screened for high blood cholesterol rose significantly from 2005 to 2009, CDC researchers reported.

The number of U.S. adults screened for high blood cholesterol rose significantly from 2005 to 2009, CDC researchers reported.

Results of a national survey on behavioral risks showed that the overall percentage of adults screened for high blood cholesterol within 5 years of the survey rose from 72.7% in 2005 to 76% in 2009, a notable 3.3% increase (P<0.001), according to Jing Fang, MD, of the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues.

However, the survey also found that patients who were younger, male, Hispanic, or had a no more than a high school diploma were less likely to get screened than other demographics, Fang and co-authors wrote in the Sept. 7 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The authors noted that risks related to high blood cholesterol -- such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease -- can be reduced with screening and early intervention.

To measure screening rates, the researchers looked at state-level estimates of self-reported cholesterol screening, and high blood cholesterol prevalence, in adults (18 and up) through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is a CDC-sponsored annual telephone survey that asked questions related to cholesterol on odd-numbered years (2005, 2007, and 2009).

Participants were asked three questions related to cholesterol screening and prevalence:

"Have you ever had your blood cholesterol checked?"

"About how long has it been since you last had your blood cholesterol check?"

"Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that your blood cholesterol is high?"

The authors included participants who reported receiving screening within 5 years of the survey in their prevalence measures, as well as data on the participants' age, sex, ethnicity, and education.

Nationally, rates of screening significantly increased from 72.7% in 2005, to 74.7% in 2007, to 76% 2009 (P<0.001), though these rates still fell short of the Healthy People 2020 goal of 82.1% screening prevalence.

By demographic, women were more likely than men (77.6% versus 74.5%) to be screened, as were participants ages 45 to 64 (88.8%) and 65 and older (94.7%) than those ages 18 to 44 (63.2%).

Blacks (77.6%), whites (77.3%), and Asians and Pacific Islanders (77.2%) were more likely to have been screened than Hispanics (69.2%).

Those with at least some college education (77.5%), or a college degree or greater (83%), were more likely to receive screening than those with a high school diploma (71%) or less education (61.4%).

Despite disparities between groups, all demographics significantly increased their rates of screening from 2005 to 2009 (P≤0.007).

The researchers also noted that prevalence of high blood cholesterol significantly increased from 33.2% in 2005 to 35% in 2009 (P<0.001), which was also significant among all demographics (P≤0.02,) except Asians, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians. In the latter groups, the prevalence of high blood cholesterol increased from 2005 to 2009, but the increase was not significant.

By demographic, rates of high blood cholesterol were highest among participants ages 65 and greater, men, and Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders, as well as those with less than a high school diploma.

In an accompanying editorial note, the researchers said that the increases in screening rates "might be attributable to increasing awareness of the health risks posed by high blood cholesterol or increasing prevalence of high blood cholesterol among adults ever screened, or both."

They added that the CDC supported evidence-based programs targeting cholesterol control within affected communities, such as low-fat, high-fiber diets, combined with physical activities as lifestyle interventions. They also noted that cholesterol-lowering drugs should supplement the lifestyle interventions.

Fang and colleagues said the study was limited by a number of factors, including non-institutionalized land line surveying, self-reported data, and a lower-than 55% median response rate over the 3 survey years.

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